Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has held strategic discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, to deepen bilateral cooperation and secure further support for Ghana’s economic development.
The meeting centered on several high-priority areas, including infrastructure development, energy, and Ghana’s ongoing debt restructuring process. Dr. Forson stressed the need for collaboration with China as Ghana prepares for its Mid-Year Budget Review, noting that critical national projects require reliable international partnerships.
“With China’s support, we built the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant during my time as Deputy Minister. It’s now time to build a second gas processing plant,” he stated.
He highlighted the success of the Atuabo project, which was constructed with Chinese assistance, and said it was time to move forward with a second gas processing plant to boost energy production and economic growth.
The Minister also underscored the importance of infrastructure, pointing to key presidential initiatives like the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. He referenced a well-known Chinese proverb, saying, “If you want to get rich, build roads first,” to emphasize the critical role infrastructure plays in national development.
Dr. Forson acknowledged that many Chinese-funded projects in Ghana were nearing completion and expressed optimism about the launch of new ones in the near future.
In addition to development projects, the Minister made a strong case for China’s continued support in completing Ghana’s debt restructuring efforts, which remain crucial to stabilizing the economy.
The Chinese Ambassador responded positively to the engagement, reaffirming China’s commitment to Ghana’s development agenda. He also noted that the bilateral agreement and development partnership are ready to be formalized, signaling a continued path of cooperation between the two nations.
